LA 2017: Refreshed Mazda6 debuts with SkyActiv Turbo option

AUTO NEWS

2018 Mazda6 rolls out with new technologies, updated exterior and interior design

by Marcus De Guzman

November 30, 2017 11:19

After posting teaser photos of the updated D-segment sedan a few weeks ago, the restyled Mazda6 officially makes its world debut at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. It now sports a sleeker exterior, a more minimalist and refined interior, and a new turbocharged SkyActiv engine option that is rated to produce more than 250 PS and 400 Nm of torque.

Beginning with its exterior, Mazda stated that the Vision Coupe concept was the basis of the 2018 Mazda6's new look. Up front, it gets a new grill design that accentuates the car's low, wide stance according to the automaker. Meanwhile, the LED headlights appeared to have been given a mild redesign and now come with integrated foglights.

New wheel designs are now also available and will come in 17-, 18-, and 19-inch sizes. Like the front fascia, the rear also gets some minor revisions. In particular, the taillights have been redesigned and now have a pre-dominantly red finish. Finally, new red hue called Soul Red Crystal can now be specified for the 2018 Mazda6.

Inside, Mazda claimed that only the steering wheel and certain trim pieces have been carried-over from the pre-updated moel. Everything else is brand new including the front and rear seats which are now wider and offer better support. In addition, the seats come with vibration-absorbing urethane and a unique design that helps keep their passengers' spines in their natural 'S' shape. Beyond that, the front seats now also come with a cooling function and

Over to its dashboard design, Mazda opted for a simpler design overall. With it, the 2018 Mazda6 offers a clean, unobstructed view of the road. Other new changes present in the Mazda6 include reshaped aircon vents, automatic climate control panel and the 8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment display.

Other technologies made available in the refreshed sedan include: 360-degree view monitor, 7-inch TFT multi-info and gauge display, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the Active Driving heads-up display.

In the US market, two gasoline-powered engines can be specified in the 2018 Mazda6. First up is the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter SkyActiv inline-four. It can be connected to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic and it still produces 185 PS at 5700 rpm along with 250 Nm of torque at 3250 rpm. New, however, is the introduction of cylinder deactivation. This allows the engine to run on only two cylinders under light loads. This technology is only available in the US market as of the moment.

Next is the more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged SkyActiv four-cylinder engine derived from the CX-9. The engine benefits from Mazda's Dynamic Pressure Turbo which allows it to generate 253 PS and 420 Nm of torque. It is only available with a six-speed automatic and full power is available when fed with 93 octane gasoline.

Apart from the engine, Mazda also worked on the sedan's chassis and improved its Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) deadening. The steering rack, on the other hand, is now rigid-mounted to the chassis which allows for better steering response and feel. The chassis itself has been stiffened to work with the revised suspension system that Mazda claimed will deliver a smoother ride. Thicker sheet metals in the rear wheel wells, reinforced chassis bracing and thicker suspension trailing link mounts have also been installed to improve overall cabin refinement.